Written by Krystal Moore
With Thanksgiving and other major holidays just around the corner, November 20th doesn’t garner much celebration. Fortunately, this year, we’re celebrating the Great American Smokeout, which is marked annually on the third Thursday of November.
The Great American Smokeout began in the 1970s when Arthur P. Mullaney, a guidance counselor at Randolph High School in Randolph, Massachusetts, offered a challenge for people to quit smoking cigarettes for a single day and spend the money they would use on tobacco products to donate to better causes.
As the years went on, the Great American Smokeout became more popular and in 1976, 1 million people managed to quit that day – in the California division alone! Not only has it helped people drop the habit, but it also helped reduce secondhand smoke by promoting laws that prohibit smoking in certain public spaces.
So, in honor of the Great American Smokeout, here are four reasons you should quit smoking (or convince someone you care about to quit).
Better health – Without those noxious fumes poisoning your lungs, you’ll be able to feel better in all aspects of life. Your physical health improves with less chance of cancer and lower blood pressure and your emotional health improves because you’ll feel so much better not having bloodshot eyes or going on a date with smoky-smelling clothes.
More money – Do you know how much money is spent on cigarettes a month? Depending on how much you smoke, it can be hundreds. Just like what Mr. Mullaney said, why spend all that money on cigarettes when you can spend it on something you really want?
Good Example – Kids look up to adults and model their behavior on yours. So, even if you tell them not to smoke, when they see you doing it everyday, they find it a contradiction and do as you do, not as you say. That’s why your actions have to match your words.
Although it will never be a cake-walk, there are plenty of tools and resources to help you get through it like…
Medical aids – Nicotine patches, gum or lozenges, all of these are aids that are created to help you when the cravings kick in.
Medical practitioners – They can offer you a plan that will be best for you to kick the habit.
Alternative medicine – Some people have had great luck with things like hypnosis or meditation
Support groups – There are others who are going through what you are. You’re never alone in this journey.
Loved ones – Always remember them when you are trying to quit because they need you here, happy and healthy.
For help on any and all ways to quit smoking, take a look at the Great American Smokeout which provides a variety of tips and support. To all of you making the effort to quit, we know you can do it and thank you for taking on this rewarding challenge.
